This project is a GraphQL API built with Apollo Server and TypeScript. It demonstrates how to define schemas, implement resolvers, and handle queries and mutations efficiently.
here is the link to the project repo:
Technologies used
- Apollo Server
- GraphQL
- TypeScript
- Node.js
note: if i forgot to mention some packages try to look at the package.json file
1. Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/nicklm0/graphqlv_4
2. go to the project directory
$ cd graphqlv_4
3. go final answer branch
$ git checkout final_answer
to install the types.ts
$ npm run generate
4. Install dependencies:
# Install dependencies
$ npm install
5. run the development server:
$ npm run dev
The server will run at http://localhost:4000.
GraphQL has always intrigued me, but diving into Apollo GraphQL gave me a hands-on understanding of how it simplifies API development. In this project, I’ll share what I learned while building a GraphQL server with Apollo.
Getting started with Apollo GraphQL requires setting up a server. The process involves installing the necessary dependencies and configuring the server. Here’s a simple way to initialize a project:
npm init --yes && npm pkg set type="module"
npm install @apollo/server graphql
From there, I created a basic Apollo Server instance and defined a schema.
Understanding GraphQL Schemas and Resolvers
A schema is the backbone of any GraphQL API. It defines the structure of data and how queries/mutations interact with it. I learned how to create type definitions and set up resolvers to handle requests.
Example schema:
type Query {
greeting: String
}
And its corresponding resolver:
const resolvers = {
Query: {
greeting: () => "Hello, GraphQL!"
}
};
Exploring Mutations and Scalars
Mutations allow modifying data, and I learned how to structure them properly. Additionally, GraphQL comes with built-in scalar types like String, Int, and Boolean, which help define the data structure.
Example mutation:
type Mutation {
addUser(name: String!): User
}
Resolvers for handling the mutation:
const resolvers = {
Mutation: {
addUser: (_, { name }) => ({ id: Date.now(), name })
}
};
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Apollo Server simplifies GraphQL API development with built-in tools and middleware support.
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Schemas and resolvers define how data is structured and fetched in GraphQL.
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Mutations and scalars help modify and validate data efficiently.
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GraphQL provides flexibility and reduces over fetching of data, making it a powerful alternative to REST APIs.